I don’t understand how people can bash Dusty for Chapman’s implosion. Yes, he has made his share of mistakes this year, and his use of Chapman overall has been frustrating, but I fail to see how today was the manager’s fault

@90reds: I have to agree with you there. But I think the argument would go something like this: 1. Chapman should be a starter, not a closer. This way you’d maximize his innings, and you wouldn’t have to worry about getting him “regular work” or facing only the 7,8,9 hitters with 4 run leads. This is all Dusty’s fault because he lobbied Castellini and Jocketty for Chap to be a closer and won. 2. Now that Chap is a closer you have to get him regular work in meaningful situations, but that hasn’t really happened. 3. Because of 1 and 2, he can’t mow down one of the worst teams in the division (and entire league for that matter), and 1 and 2 are Dusty’s fault.

To me, this one seemed like Chap’s fault. He pitched two days ago and did just fine. True, not in the most meaningful situation, but today’s outing started out as not so meaningful too. Today, he just didn’t perform well, loaded the bases and gave up runs.

Anyway, here’s something I hope isn’t true: the decision to not make Chapman a starter had a lot to do with the fact that Jocketty, Price and Dusty do not believe that he has enough control to pitch more than an inning or two at a time. If it is, those that talk about trading him for some great talent and $ may be on to something.

Why not use Broxton for 2 innings and save Chapman for real 1 run lead situations or maybe Chapman needs more regular work and a 4 run lead like this is good to get some work in, even though this was way to close at the end. In the end, doesn’t matter, the Reds get the win. If I were the owner (Castellini), I would have a regular meeting with the coaching staff and question the same stuff we all question on these blogs….